Iron Fire Wildfire Forces Full Evacuation of Eureka, Utah

On June 19 night, a human-caused blaze called the Iron Fire ignited near Boulter Peak in Juab County, Utah. Within 24 hours it expanded to over 13,300 acres, prompting a mandatory evacuation of Eureka—about 1,000 residents—located less than 1½ miles from the flames. The fire threatened structures in Broad Canyon.

Utah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuatedKSL-TVKUTV Salt Lake CityKUTV Salt Lake City

June 19, 10:45 p.m. – Fire reported near Boulter Peak.

Utah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuated

June 20 – Fire grew past 5,000 acres, reached 13,323 acres as winds pushed flames toward Eureka; town placed in GO status and full evacuation ordered.

KUTV Salt Lake City

Responders: Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands; Juab County Emergency Management; Complex Incident Management Team; Utah Department of Transportation; BLM. Kelly Wickens was the division’s spokesperson.

KSL-TV

Over 200 firefighters tackled the 13,323-acre blaze across private and BLM lands, approaching within 1.5 miles of Eureka. U.S. 6 and Homansville Pass were closed. An LDS meetinghouse in Elberta served as the primary evacuation shelter.

KSL-TV

Eureka residents were told to leave immediately and not to stop for belongings. About 1,000 people sheltered in Elberta while smoke from the Iron Fire and regional fires created hazy conditions across the Wasatch Front, prompting health advisories for vulnerable groups. Some officials cited “numerous structures” at risk; others reported no immediate danger.

Utah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuated

Kelly Wickens urged compliance with law-enforcement directives, noting evacuations protect residents and firefighters. Juab County Emergency Management warned conditions were life-threatening and rapidly changing. Utah Fire Info explained smoke can travel hundreds of miles, causing the haze. Utah Forestry, Fire & State Lands confirmed Eureka’s GO status and mandatory evacuation.

KSL-TVUtah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuatedKUTV Salt Lake CityKUTV Salt Lake City

Initial reports listed the fire at 1,000 acres, later at 5,000 acres, and final mapping at 13,323 acres. Threat assessments differ: some officials mentioned “numerous structures” at risk, others said no immediate danger. The exact ignition source remains under investigation, with only a “human-caused” label confirmed.

KSL-TV

• “My message is please listen to your law enforcement. Evacuations are not only for your safety but for our firefighters' safety,” — Kelly Wickens, spokesperson, Division of Fire, Forestry and State Lands

KSL-TV

• “not stop to gather belongings,” — Juab County Emergency Management alert

KSL-TV

• “Smoke can travel hundreds of miles depending on wind & weather patterns, so hazy skies don’t always mean the smoke is coming from a nearby fire,” — Utah Fire Info officials

KUTV Salt Lake City

• “The fire has been mapped at 13,323 acres. Trigger points have been reached, and Eureka has been moved to GO status with evacuations currently underway. More information as it becomes available.” — Utah Fire Info

Utah's iron fire explodes to more than 13,000 acres in less than 24 hours; Eureka residents evacuated

The Complex Incident Management Team will brief Elberta residents on containment progress. Authorities will continue the cause investigation, monitor air quality, and assess when Highway 6 and Homansville Pass can reopen.

KUTV Salt Lake City